On Sundays, I will be writing briefly about just a few things that caught my attention during the previous week. Some topics will be about me (are you surprised?), but most will be about the world around me. Some will be political, some news specific. Some will be about local events, some global. So, in no particular order and with no rhyme or reason, here are today's round up thoughts:
1. The Olympic competitions are a very special time. It's the one occasion, aside from national catastrophes, when every American comes together to root on their fellow countrymen and women. When we are all on one side. It's a feel-good time, a patriotic time, and time of pride and wonder. The USA athletes are glorious examples of mind-boggling strength and endurance, and of all-inspiring dedication and determination. So, to all the USA athletes who are competing, good luck to you....and win or lose, you make us proud.
2. My husband is Canadian, and I'm awfully danged fond of the place myself, so I must add.... To all the Canadian athletes who are competing....good luck to you as well and if we don't win, I hope you do! :)
3. John Edwards is an embarassment and a disappointment. And I don't believe a word he is now saying regarding when his wife and family knew about the affair, when the affair ended, and about not being the father of the mistress's baby. After he lied about the affair itself for months while thousands contributed money, time, energy, and heart to his fruitless, now precarious and doomed presidential campaign, why in the world would anybody believe anything he says at this point. He is a rotten liar...it's as simple as that.
4. Birthdays are great!! So a very warm and happy thank you to my family, friends and co-workers who helped me celebrate my own birthday this week.
Enjoy the coming week!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Vacation was great but...
Well, we just finished a two-week vacation. Actually one week's vacation to hubby's family's cottage on Crow Lake in Ontario, and one week with his girls and two of their friends here at our house. I worked most of this past week, though, but still took some time off while they were here. And through it all, here's what I learned...
1. One week away is never enough (six would be more like it).
2. One week away is too much if you use the pile of work that backed up at your office while you were away as the gauge (thankfully, I don't)
3. Four teenage girls eat just as much or more than 4 teenage boys (and I have the empty cabinets andtwo week's worth of grocery receipts to prove it!)
4. Ontario, Canada lake country has BUGS, lots of them (and they bite. hard.)
5. Bugs or no bugs, vacationing on a lake in Canada is hard to beat (and the bugs can be controlled).
6. No matter how hard you try, you cannot diet while on vacation. (ok. I really didn't try very hard. But still...)
7. Watching a child cliff diving from a 50-60 ft cliff doesn't get any easier even when that "child" is almost 22. (I told him to get his butt down from there, but he wouldn't listen. I was not surprised.)
8. Spending time with family is one the most important things you can do. (and enjoying it makes it so much easier)
9. Teens are interesting to talk to (and heavens to Betsy, you never know what they're going to say next)
10. The house gets eerily and sadly quiet once they are gone again. (normally, I love quiet. Today it just seems too quiet.)
And that's it for now. The season finale of HGTV's Design Star is coming up, and I simply can't miss it. Hope you all had good vacations this summer, or will have a good one soon. They are worth every minute.
1. One week away is never enough (six would be more like it).
2. One week away is too much if you use the pile of work that backed up at your office while you were away as the gauge (thankfully, I don't)
3. Four teenage girls eat just as much or more than 4 teenage boys (and I have the empty cabinets andtwo week's worth of grocery receipts to prove it!)
4. Ontario, Canada lake country has BUGS, lots of them (and they bite. hard.)
5. Bugs or no bugs, vacationing on a lake in Canada is hard to beat (and the bugs can be controlled).
6. No matter how hard you try, you cannot diet while on vacation. (ok. I really didn't try very hard. But still...)
7. Watching a child cliff diving from a 50-60 ft cliff doesn't get any easier even when that "child" is almost 22. (I told him to get his butt down from there, but he wouldn't listen. I was not surprised.)
8. Spending time with family is one the most important things you can do. (and enjoying it makes it so much easier)
9. Teens are interesting to talk to (and heavens to Betsy, you never know what they're going to say next)
10. The house gets eerily and sadly quiet once they are gone again. (normally, I love quiet. Today it just seems too quiet.)
And that's it for now. The season finale of HGTV's Design Star is coming up, and I simply can't miss it. Hope you all had good vacations this summer, or will have a good one soon. They are worth every minute.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
A day to be lazy....
As if I needed an excuse, I'm still going to offer one. It's hot outside today...steamy hot. Like sticking-your-head-over-a-boiling-kettle hot. So I'd just as soon stay inside today and take it easy. Real easy. As in frozen-pizza-and-french-fries for dinner easy.
In addition to the three-day weekend that the 4th holiday provided, I worked from home on Thursday which allowed me to sleep in a little, and mosey around when I got tired of sitting at the desk. But it's been a busy few days so today I'm happily doing next to nothing.
Friday, I helped my daughter clean and put things away in her new apartment. It's a cute place, and she and my little grandson (the cutest kid on earth) will be comfortable there. The problem is that she and I have very different concepts of "clean" and "put away," and yes, I can admit it, I'm kinda anal about it. But we muddled through, and her apartment looks cute. And the two of them look very happy in it. And that's what really matters anyway, right?
In addition to the three-day weekend that the 4th holiday provided, I worked from home on Thursday which allowed me to sleep in a little, and mosey around when I got tired of sitting at the desk. But it's been a busy few days so today I'm happily doing next to nothing.
Friday, I helped my daughter clean and put things away in her new apartment. It's a cute place, and she and my little grandson (the cutest kid on earth) will be comfortable there. The problem is that she and I have very different concepts of "clean" and "put away," and yes, I can admit it, I'm kinda anal about it. But we muddled through, and her apartment looks cute. And the two of them look very happy in it. And that's what really matters anyway, right?
Sunday, June 29, 2008
3 College Grads
Well...my youngest son graduated from Miami University in May. Three down. Three graduated. I feel proud of them. Very proud. Education is so very important--much more so than ever before. The days of lucrative factory jobs straight out of high school, without any post highs chool education, are all but over, especially in the area we live in. Plants like the nearby GM plant are closing and those $30/hour jobs are going with them. Education or specialized training is no longer just as option, it's a necessity.
My youngest daughter will return to complete a bachelors degree in early childhood education in the fall (she received an associates degree a couple of years ago), and I couldn't be happier about that. She'll be a wonderful teacher, and a teaching career will allow her plenty of time with my little grandson and any future family she may have.
And as for me...I don't just talk the talk. I'm a part-time student myself now and plan to finish a degree when I retire from the university in a few years. Even at this age, at nearly the end of a very satisfying and productive career, I realize how important education is. I'm excited about learning and I look forward to every class I take. In the fall, I'm taking a Short Story class and a Geology class. Can't wait.
If you're thinking about taking a class or going back to school, go for it. There's never been a better time.
My youngest daughter will return to complete a bachelors degree in early childhood education in the fall (she received an associates degree a couple of years ago), and I couldn't be happier about that. She'll be a wonderful teacher, and a teaching career will allow her plenty of time with my little grandson and any future family she may have.
And as for me...I don't just talk the talk. I'm a part-time student myself now and plan to finish a degree when I retire from the university in a few years. Even at this age, at nearly the end of a very satisfying and productive career, I realize how important education is. I'm excited about learning and I look forward to every class I take. In the fall, I'm taking a Short Story class and a Geology class. Can't wait.
If you're thinking about taking a class or going back to school, go for it. There's never been a better time.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Don't tell me how to vote...
I was reading the Cincinnati Enquirer this morning, catching up on the news of the recently-completely minicamp for my beloved Bengals. The Chad Johnson saga continues, but the rest of the team seems to be working hard and pulling their weight. One part of the article, though, quite irritated me. At the end of Coach Marvin Lewis's press conference, as he was leaving, instead of answering parting questions, Coach Lewis instructed the crowd to "Vote for [Barack] Obama."
Hmmm. Well now. What do you know? It's June and Coach Lewis is worried that I may not be intelligent or informed enough to make up my own mind about which candidate I should support come November. Isn't that nice? With all that Marvin Lewis has to worry about....i.e. spoiled, loud-mouthed players who don't want to play, players who gain notoriety not for their playing ability but for their embarrassing legal troubles, first-round draft picks who get suspended for a continual inability to pass a drug test, and coaching just one winning season out of his 5 as head coach....it boggles the mind that he has the time, not to be mention the audacity, to tell me how to cast my ballot.
Well here's a message to Coach Lewis. Stick to what you know best, sir. You seem to have enough on your plate without worrying about my vote. If it's all the same to you, I'll make my own decision about who to support this fall. Thanks anyway.
Hmmm. Well now. What do you know? It's June and Coach Lewis is worried that I may not be intelligent or informed enough to make up my own mind about which candidate I should support come November. Isn't that nice? With all that Marvin Lewis has to worry about....i.e. spoiled, loud-mouthed players who don't want to play, players who gain notoriety not for their playing ability but for their embarrassing legal troubles, first-round draft picks who get suspended for a continual inability to pass a drug test, and coaching just one winning season out of his 5 as head coach....it boggles the mind that he has the time, not to be mention the audacity, to tell me how to cast my ballot.
Well here's a message to Coach Lewis. Stick to what you know best, sir. You seem to have enough on your plate without worrying about my vote. If it's all the same to you, I'll make my own decision about who to support this fall. Thanks anyway.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
OK, so it's been a while...
Yes, it's been a few weeks - 7 to be exact - since I last blogged. Most of April and the first two weeks of May found me working way too many hours and when not working, I was attending, studying, or doing homework for my logics class. Occasionally I'd sleep. :) In between all that, I was planning my parents' 50th anniversary party, trying to spend time with family and friends, and doing a unhealthy dose of stressful eating.
But now, I'm back to my normal workload and stress level, I completed (and received an A!) in my class, I've taken a week's vacation to rejuvenate, and finally am beginning to feel like my old self again. I've started walking in the mornings again and this week got serious about eating right. It's time to get healthy again. Time to shed those extra 15 pounds I'm carrying around. Time to alter my lifestyle in healthy ways that will make a difference in the way I look and feel now, but more importantly, will make a difference for years to come. I'm ready. I'm motivated. And I'm determined. Wish me luck! :)
I haven't been writing much lately, I just couldn't find the time or energy I need for it. But the two poems that had been accepted by the two literary journals were finally published and I have to admit it was very satisfying to see my work featured and my name in print. Very satisfying. That combined with the sixsentence publication listed below added some much needed excitment to a dreary few weeks.
But now I'm back. I've been jotting down ideas for poems and stories and will get busy on those as time and energy permit and I'll be back here blogging more regularly. I hope all is well in your corner of the world. Peace.
But now, I'm back to my normal workload and stress level, I completed (and received an A!) in my class, I've taken a week's vacation to rejuvenate, and finally am beginning to feel like my old self again. I've started walking in the mornings again and this week got serious about eating right. It's time to get healthy again. Time to shed those extra 15 pounds I'm carrying around. Time to alter my lifestyle in healthy ways that will make a difference in the way I look and feel now, but more importantly, will make a difference for years to come. I'm ready. I'm motivated. And I'm determined. Wish me luck! :)
I haven't been writing much lately, I just couldn't find the time or energy I need for it. But the two poems that had been accepted by the two literary journals were finally published and I have to admit it was very satisfying to see my work featured and my name in print. Very satisfying. That combined with the sixsentence publication listed below added some much needed excitment to a dreary few weeks.
But now I'm back. I've been jotting down ideas for poems and stories and will get busy on those as time and energy permit and I'll be back here blogging more regularly. I hope all is well in your corner of the world. Peace.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Formal logic and reasoning...or some such stuff
I haven't written much about the class I'm taking this semester other than to say that it is challenging. It's a Philosophy course, "Formal Logic and Reasoning," which sounded "reasonable" when I registered for it. It satisfies the Math/Reasoning requirement of my liberal education plan without me having to take Calculus or some other unspeakable, unthinkable math class. As I mentioned in a previous post, please keep in mind that I haven't had a math course since high school--nearly 28 years ago. And I didn't do that well it the subject then. So, the Formal Logic course sounded a little more palatable.
In a nutshell, I was mistaken. It's a form of calculus slyly cloaked in a deceptive cover of philosophical jargon. Grrrr! When my former boss, who is a physicist and incredily intelligent, told me upon finding out what class I was taking that Formal Logic had been his favorite class, I was certain that I was doomed. Yikes! But thankfully, I was wrong about that also. While I do have to work very hard in this class, it's not quite the castrophe that I imagined. I'm actually doing fairly well in the course and--hold onto your hats--I'm enjoying it. Whodathunkit, right?
Having a professor who genuinely wants everyone in the class to not only understand the material but enjoy the learning process has made the difference. I'm convinced that had I gotten a different instructor, one with less enthusiasm or patience for teaching a complicated subject to non-philosophy majors, one whose idea of teaching is just a monotone lecture and a directive to memorize the material, one who's actual teaching gets sidetracked by their own ideological opinions, that I would be struggling. I've had a couple of those latter instructors, and it's not been pleasant.
So, to Professor Yesh and other wonderful, dedicated, supportive, enthusiastic, and effective teachers out there, I thank you! To the rest of the teachers who don't fit that description--and I believe most of you know who you are--perhaps it's time to re-think your profession. Maybe sooner rather than later.
In a nutshell, I was mistaken. It's a form of calculus slyly cloaked in a deceptive cover of philosophical jargon. Grrrr! When my former boss, who is a physicist and incredily intelligent, told me upon finding out what class I was taking that Formal Logic had been his favorite class, I was certain that I was doomed. Yikes! But thankfully, I was wrong about that also. While I do have to work very hard in this class, it's not quite the castrophe that I imagined. I'm actually doing fairly well in the course and--hold onto your hats--I'm enjoying it. Whodathunkit, right?
Having a professor who genuinely wants everyone in the class to not only understand the material but enjoy the learning process has made the difference. I'm convinced that had I gotten a different instructor, one with less enthusiasm or patience for teaching a complicated subject to non-philosophy majors, one whose idea of teaching is just a monotone lecture and a directive to memorize the material, one who's actual teaching gets sidetracked by their own ideological opinions, that I would be struggling. I've had a couple of those latter instructors, and it's not been pleasant.
So, to Professor Yesh and other wonderful, dedicated, supportive, enthusiastic, and effective teachers out there, I thank you! To the rest of the teachers who don't fit that description--and I believe most of you know who you are--perhaps it's time to re-think your profession. Maybe sooner rather than later.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
It's April and raining...
The weather folks are calling for more rain tonight and tomorrow - up to two inches! A portion will likely be in the form of thunderstorms, "some severe" they said. But I love rain and storms; they're very calming and soothing to me. Even the most severe thunder and lightening brings with it a tranquil peace for me. It's a wonderful thing.
Hmmm....sounds like a good day to be inside, snuggled up reading, or better yet writing, doesn't it.? I agree with you, but unfortunately I'll be working instead. Schlepping through puddles and mud in my fancy pancy rain boots and cursing an umbrella that's just about ready to give up the ghost. After all, work duty calls on the weekdays. They are calling for a sunny, warm weekend, though, and since I have to be out in that torrential mess tomorrow, I'll gladly take the more hospitable weather on my weekend. I have a few to-do's on my list, and a couple of should-do's too, and hopefully I'll have time to write a little.
I do have a writing update to report. A short piece I wrote and submitted a couple of weeks ago was accepted for publishing/posting by Six Sentences. It should appear on the site on April 23. I am very pleased about this because I thoroughly enjoy the site. Six Sentences is on online literary blog dedicated to short stories or written pieces that are six sentences in length--no more, no less. The size, style, and topics vary greatly, but most of the writing is intelligent, crisp, and, quite often, thought provoking. A bonus is that it can also be a quick read for those of us with little time to spare. So if you have some time, please check it out at http://sixsentences.blogspot.com/ and perhaps try your own hand at it. As the site asks, "What can you say in six sentences?"
More later folks....stay dry, or cool, or warm, or wet....whereever you are.
Hmmm....sounds like a good day to be inside, snuggled up reading, or better yet writing, doesn't it.? I agree with you, but unfortunately I'll be working instead. Schlepping through puddles and mud in my fancy pancy rain boots and cursing an umbrella that's just about ready to give up the ghost. After all, work duty calls on the weekdays. They are calling for a sunny, warm weekend, though, and since I have to be out in that torrential mess tomorrow, I'll gladly take the more hospitable weather on my weekend. I have a few to-do's on my list, and a couple of should-do's too, and hopefully I'll have time to write a little.
I do have a writing update to report. A short piece I wrote and submitted a couple of weeks ago was accepted for publishing/posting by Six Sentences. It should appear on the site on April 23. I am very pleased about this because I thoroughly enjoy the site. Six Sentences is on online literary blog dedicated to short stories or written pieces that are six sentences in length--no more, no less. The size, style, and topics vary greatly, but most of the writing is intelligent, crisp, and, quite often, thought provoking. A bonus is that it can also be a quick read for those of us with little time to spare. So if you have some time, please check it out at http://sixsentences.blogspot.com/ and perhaps try your own hand at it. As the site asks, "What can you say in six sentences?"
More later folks....stay dry, or cool, or warm, or wet....whereever you are.
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